Hapag-Lloyd pioneers dual-fuel retrofit

German containerline Hapag-Lloyd has announced plans to retrofit its 15,000 teu ship
Sajir to operate using LNG. The engine system will be able to function using either LNG or low-sulphur fuel oil (LSFO). Shanghai-based shipyard Huarun Dadong Dockyard will carry out the retrofit.

“By converting the Sajir, we will be the first shipping company in the world to retrofit a containership of this size to LNG propulsion”, said Richard von Berlepsch, managing director of fleet management at Hapag-Lloyd. “By carrying out this unprecedented pilot, we hope to learn for the future and to pave the way for large ships to be retrofitted to use this alternative fuel.”

Starting out with the Informa Group in 2000 in Hong Kong, Sam Chambers became editor of Maritime Asia magazine as well as East Asia Editor for the world’s oldest newspaper, Lloyd’s List. In 2005 he pursued a freelance career and wrote for a variety of titles including taking on the role of Asia Editor at Seatrade magazine and China correspondent for Supply Chain Asia. His work has also appeared in The Economist, The New York Times, The Sunday Times and The International Herald Tribune.